Odion Ighalo has addressed the recent minor altercation involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations game against Mozambique. 

He described the incident as small but acknowledged the media attention it has drawn. Reflecting on the incident, Ighalo noted that media narratives may have exaggerated the situation. 

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner explained that emotions run high during matches and players sometimes react differently. 

On this, he told SuperSport, “Well, I think the media is taking it too far, because in games like that there's always going to be emotions and there's always going to be player that want it more that act different way. We've seen Ronaldo do something like that.”

Highlighting Osimhen’s key role in the team, Ighalo added that while the striker may not be at the level of global superstars like Ronaldo, he remains the most important player in the Super Eagles squad. 

He explained, “We've seen the big players though Victor is not Ronaldo but in Nigeria team is the biggest player for me in that team.”

Ighalo then described how he personally spoke to Osimhen after the match to clarify the incident. 

He recounted, “So even after the game I didn't see what happened which I spoke to him and he said what Lookman said to him that make him react that way which I said next time don't react this way sorted this out in the dressing room.”

He emphasized that the matter has been fully resolved and that both players remain on good terms. 

Ighalo said, “And all that which they settled and they are friends and all that I know Osimhen you cannot fault his commitment for the national team he fights he score goals he does everything for the national team.”

On Osimhen’s temperament and performance, Ighalo explained that the striker often shows his best form when highly motivated. 

He noted, “And the calm Osimhen doesn't play well. You have to see Osimhen angry then you have to get the best out of him which you're going to see today.”

Addressing calls for Osimhen’s removal from the squad, Ighalo argued that the player’s importance cannot be overstated. 

He said, “So all those media they try to drag those things forward and say take him out of the team and all that. You don't take your best player out of the team no matter what.”

He praised the coaching staff for handling the matter internally, without creating unnecessary drama. 

Ighalo stated, “You just have to settle it and I like the way the coach settled it inside the dressing room and didn't make big problem out of it because if Ronaldo does this or Mbappe and others are you going to send him away from the team no.”

Finally, he reiterated Osimhen’s value to Nigeria while acknowledging the incident, saying, “I'm not saying he's Mbappe. I'm not saying he's Ronaldo but in this Super Eagles is our biggest player in that team and I don't say what he did was right. 

“He should not have done that which they have settled but you don't say take him away from the team because if you need to win this tournament you need Osimhen which he's going to do today.”

Wale Adejumo